Aberglasney head gardener Joseph Atkins will be hanging up his shears for the last time next week as he bids farewell to the gardens to take over The Plough Inn in Nantgaredig.
Joseph has tended the magnificent gardens for the last 11 years but now, after recently buying the pub along with his partner Rachel, he’s poised to start pulling pints instead of weeds.
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“It’s exciting to be embarking on a new adventure with huge potential,” he said. “And it’s nice to feel that I’m once again starting at the beginning.
"I’m so grateful to everyone who's supported me and helped me during my time at Aberglasney and I can assure them that I won’t be leaving horticulture.
"Expect some very interesting hanging baskets outside the Plough Inn in Felingwm next season!”
Joseph and his partner Rachael intend to continue the Plough Inn tradition and run it as a food orientated pub, and Joseph plans to develop the garden to grow his own produce which will be used in the pub’s kitchen. Sustainability, Welsh produce and ‘grow your own’ will be his main focus.
Meanwhile Aberglasney is bracing itself for Joseph’s departure.
“I know regular visitors will be sad to see Joseph leaving but I hope they will join us in wishing him all the luck in his new venture,” commented director of operations, Jim Stribling.
Work has already begun to find Joseph’s replacement and Aberglasney is confident it will attract the very best of talented and highly skilled gardeners.
The new head gardener will build on the excellent work carried out by Joseph, and Graham Rankin before him, to further develop these wonderful heritage gardens for the continued enjoyment of members, visitors and future generations.
Aberglasney Gardens are open 364 days a year and have been described as one of Wales’ finest gardens.
Visitors to the Carmarthenshire attraction can explore 10 acres of over 20 different garden styles from formal to woodland, right through to exotic and modern.
Exhibitions and events are held regularly in the fully restored ground floor of Aberglasney’s grade II listed mansion.
There is also a gift shop and tearooms which overlook the Pool Garden.
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